Procrastinators Jam Good To Go Offices

GIG HARBOR Good To Go customer service centers are much more crowded than the toll bridge they support.

Although cars are racing across the Narrows in its first days open, people should be prepared to wait in line for an hour to pick up electronic window stickers that let them skip the toll booths while giving a discount. The booth fare is $3; it's $1.75 with a transponder.

Thousands of people waited until last weekend to install their transponders for Monday's bridge opening and, judging from the lines at the customer service centers this week, many more procrastinated in picking them up at all.

Lines are getting shorter, said transportation department spokeswoman Janet Matkin, but a magazine or book might be in order. Better yet, fill out the application while waiting in line, or before arriving, said Matkin. Make sure to have the make, model, year and license plate number of all the vehicles that will be on the account, and the credit card information.

There's also the option of applying online and waiting a week or 10 days until the transponder arrives by mail.

Payment can be made by credit card or a debit card at the booths, said Matkin, or with cash. Exact change is not necessary.

On Monday, opening day, 41,241 drivers paid to cross the bridge. More than 73 percent used transponders. Fewer than 5 percent didn't pay at all.

More than 60,000 customers have established Good To Go accounts and more than 130,000 transponders have been distributed.

The customer service centers are at 3212 50th St. Court, Suite 200, in Gig Harbor and at 2115 S. 56th St., Suite 306, in Tacoma. Or apply online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/goodtogo or by calling toll-free (866) 936-8246.